We have every reason to rant about this present pandemic and how it is being handled. For innate in us is the freedom to choose. Experiencing external blocks to this freedom is difficult.
Flip the coin. Due to the unexpected overdrawn crisis, we been receiving a heightened outpouring of kindness and goodness from our community. Jerry Bridges clarifies that “Kindness is a sincere desire for the happiness of others; goodness is the activity calculated to advance that happiness.”1
These generous acts makes me reflect on God’s kindness, goodness, and faithfulness throughout the years. Indeed, we are dependent to God for our final salvation,2 for our deliverance from temptation,3 for our sanctification,4 for the continuous forgiveness of our sins,5 for endurance in times of suffering,6 and for the fulfillment of our hope in eternal life.7
Being the recipient of these unmerited favor makes me exclaim like the Psalmist, O, what is man that you are mindful of us?8
God’s kindness and patience is meant to lead us to repentance.9 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.10
Notes:
1. Jerry Bridges, The Fruitful Life
2. 1 Corinthians 1:8-9
3. 1 Corinthians 10:13
4. 1 Thessalonians 5:23
5. 1 John 1:9
6. 1 Peter 4:19
7. Hebrews 10:23
8. Psalm 8:3-4
9. Romans 2:4
10. Galatians 6:10
